BBC commissions third series of 'Merlin'

Merlin will return to BBC One next year for a third series, it has been announced.

The fantasy series, which stars Colin Morgan as a young mythical wizard, has been a Saturday night ratings success since its debut in 2008.

BBC controller of drama commissioning Ben Stephenson said of the show: "With its mix of magic, adventure and humor, Merlin is perfect Saturday evening family television, and we are thrilled that Shine Television will be creating a new series for BBC One.

"I'm looking forward to seeing what adventures our popular young wizard, and his friends in Camelot, will go on in series three."

The second series of Merlinlaunched earlier this year to a healthy 5.08 million viewers for BBC One and since averaged 5.15 million over its 10-episode run.